Alexander Volkanovski steps in to fight Islam Makhachev amid massive UFC twist
The UFC world can't believe the shock update involving the Australian champion.
The UFC world has been left absolutely stunned after Aussie Alexander Volkanovksi has stepped in on 11 days notice to fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after Charles Oliveira has pulled out of the main event. Machkachev was set to fight Oliveira in a rematch of their bout in 2022 having submitted the Brazilian in their first fight.
Makhachev put his title on the line in February against Volkanovksi in Perth, which went the way of the Dagestan native after a controversial decision. Many fans and fighters praised Volkanovksi for moving up in weight and putting Makhachev through his biggest challenge yet in the UFC.
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And in shock news, Oliveira has withdrawn from the bout against Makhachev. In bigger news, Volkanovksi has accepted the bout with just 11 days notice. UFC president Dana White admitted it took 'one phone call' for the Australian to accept the bout. Volkanovski will be once again moving up in weight and returning for his first fight since surgery.
"The Volkanovski crew, him and Israel [Adesanya], these guys are absolute studs, man," White said after the announcement. White said Oliveira suffered a cut above his eye during sparring and was not able to travel to Abu Dhabi for the rematch.
“Round 5 of sparring last night, before he was supposed to fly out today, he split his eyebrow wide open.”
Dana White revealed why Alex Volkanovski replaced Charles Oliveira
pic.twitter.com/OoHNwvzNpX— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 11, 2023
"This is how we do it, brother," White said. "One fight falls out and we end up making a fight — it's one of the most anticipated rematches ever in that weight class."
The UFC world also equally impressed and were singing Volkanvoski's praises having squared up to one of the hardest challenges in the sport on such short notice.
The set of balls on Volk man. If he pulls this off he may be top 3 all time. This is bonkers
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) October 11, 2023
This will be ALL TIME if Volk pulls this off on ten days notice.
— Andy (@AndyHHSports) October 11, 2023
He is officially top 10 all time for this
— Fernando (@fervxvdo) October 11, 2023
It’s impressive it was set up so quick.
— Jason DuBois (@JDTalksHQ) October 11, 2023
Volk is a BEAST. Better rematch anyways!!
— Sean Sublette (@Subby_Sean) October 11, 2023
The more that time goes by, the more we realize that Alex Volkanovski’s nickname “The Great” is a perfect representation of who he is.
Taking perhaps his last shot at the Lightweight title on 11 days notice in enemy territory.
This is what legendary stories are made of. pic.twitter.com/GyhAGXQa4W— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) October 11, 2023
Feel for Charles. Wish him a speedy recovery.
Volk a legend for accepting on 11 days notice.
Islam a G for agreeing to the rematch too.
Gamrot must be pissed.
This sport man. Nothing like it. pic.twitter.com/6bpB7m35Mg— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 11, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski's chance of UFC legendary status
While Volkanvoski is considered by many as arguably the greatest featherweight of all time, he has the chance of elevating himself as arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time. Volkanvoski is 26-2 in Mixed Martial Arts and recently defeated Yair Rodriguez in emphatic fashion.
Makhachev is undefeated in the UFC and is on a 12-fight winning streak. The Dagestan native will now face a completely different challenge to Oliveira with the Australian bringing with him a complete all-round game in the octagon.
The 35-year-old Australian recently had hand surgery after his victory over Rodriguez in July.
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